Maryland Scale Certification & Weights and Measures

Maryland runs a state-managed weights and measures program — commercial scale owners deal with the state agency directly. If you operate a commercial scale in Maryland — at a warehouse, farm, recycling yard, retail store, or truck stop — here is who regulates it, what the law requires, and exactly who to contact.

Who inspects commercial scales in Maryland?

MDA state field staff conduct roughly 35,000-45,000 inspections of commercial weighing and measuring devices per year, test/seal devices statewide, and the state metrology laboratory keeps the standards; no county inspection program. Owners deal with the MDA Weights and Measures Program in Annapolis.

What Maryland requires of scale owners

All scales and meters used in commercial transactions must be registered with MDA every year (renewals due by May 31; per-device fees, e.g., $25 per small scale plus $75 per-location fee, $350 per vehicle scale). Owners must notify MDA at 410-841-5790 when a device is placed into service (it may then be used until a state official inspects and seals it), and devices installed after Oct 1, 1992 must be NTEP-approved; MDA also registers the service agencies/technicians (biennial $250 agency / $75 technician) that may place devices into service.

Getting a scale into service — 4 steps

1. Buy a legal-for-trade (NTEP-certified) scale appropriate for your application and capacity.
2. Confirm registration and licensing requirements with the Maryland Department of Agriculture (410-841-5790) before the scale enters commercial use.
3. Arrange compliant installation and calibration. Where required, placing-in-service must be done by a licensed or registered service company.
4. Stay compliant. Pass required inspections, keep calibration current, retain service records.

Common questions